1. Work out your cool-down toolkit
While there’s nothing more likely to dial up the blood pressure than someone instructing you to 'stay calm,' arming yourself with a few sure-fire shortcuts to chill will prove invaluable – and empowering – the next time tension rises.
'Slowing your breathing, shifting your context (even just going to the toilet for a few minutes!) and moving or getting outside' will all help diffuse stress, says Dr Hepburn. Plus don’t underestimate the impact of 'doing something silly that will make everybody laugh,' she adds.
2. Shift your standards
Those principles you used to have about TV/sugary snacks/getting dressed? Park them for now. 'Research shows that flexibility with standards helped families get through the first lockdown,' says Dr Hepburn.